Hometown Helps Young Boy with Brain Tumor

WAYMART — A family originally from Wayne County is dealing with a grim diagnosis for a young boy named Elisha.

The one-year-old has an inoperable brain tumor, so in order to help his family, folks in their hometown of Waymart are doing what they can to get them through it.

The food was piping hot and ready to serve to the dozens of people who came to the special luncheon in Waymart.

Some of the folks there were grandparents, cousins, even former neighbors of the Roberts family.

Eli Roberts and his twin sister Emma were born more than a year ago, seemingly healthy, happy babies.

Then, at seven months old their parents and doctors noticed something was wrong with Eli.

“He was born with an inoperable cancerous brain tumor,” said his grandfather.

As Eli’s grandparents explained it, the little boy has been through several operations, and his family moved to Tennessee, closer to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. After three months of treatment, Eli, along with everyone else, are waiting for the next step.

“The treatment cannot start until the tumor is actively growing, and it hasn’t done anything, taking a wait and see attitude,” said Dennis Morris, Eli’s grandfather.

All that medical treatment comes at a cost, so does the transportation to and from the hospital. That’s where the fundraiser at the Gravity Inn, and others like it, come in handy.

The restaurant donated the space and food. There were basket raffles and cupcakes.

Every little bit from home, going to help the Roberts family in Tennessee.

“Financially it’s going to give the kids a great boost. We’re just really grateful for all the help and support,” said Barb Roberts, Eli’s grandmother.

The goal of the fundraiser for Eli’s family was to raise at least $5,000 to help the family cover its insurance deductible next year and help with transportation expenses.